Ruth Haran Herzman, one of southern Israel’s most respected educators and community figures – and a survivor of both the Holocaust and the Hamas massacre at Kibbutz Be’eri – died on Sunday.
Haran Herzman was the mother of Tal Shoham and grandmother of Adi Shoham, both of whom were taken captive by Hamas and later released. She was widely known for her work rehabilitating families and supporting vulnerable youth in Beersheba’s most challenged neighborhoods.
Born in Europe, Haran Herzman survived the Nazi genocide and immigrated to Israel, where she dedicated her life to education, family therapy, and social work. Over decades of service, she became a beloved figure in Beersheba, described by many as a professional who combined expertise with deep empathy.
On October 7, 2023, Haran Herzman was at Kibbutz Be’eri, where she had moved to be closer to family. During the Hamas attack, she spent hours in a safe room before leaving out of concern for her children and grandchildren.
Armed defenders returned her to shelter, and she was later rescued. She later reflected that she had survived two holocausts — one in Europe in 1945, and the other in Be’eri nearly 80 years later.
Her eldest son, Avshalom Shoham, known as Avshal, was murdered that day. Despite the trauma and loss, Haran Herzman continued advocating for the return of her family members held hostage in Gaza, including her daughter, daughter-in-law, husband, granddaughter and three grandchildren. She lived to witness their release after 50 days in captivity.
Her son-in-law, Chen Avigdori, described her as a woman of quiet strength and lifelong dedication.
'She touched and healed, embraced and helped'
“A European noblewoman, who narrowly escaped the Nazi monster, made aliyah to Israel, chose to settle in Beersheba, and from there began to change the world,” he said. “She was a kindergarten teacher, an educator, and a family therapist who touched the most open wounds of the most complex families in the toughest neighborhoods. She touched and healed, embraced and helped.”
“Very few people can be described as having a biography that tells the story of Zionism, and Ruti was undoubtedly one of them. A brand plucked from the fire, a full Zionist, a pioneer who brought relief to vulnerable populations – and above all, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I will miss you very much, Ruti. Rest in peace,” he said.